Hiking is fun and good exercise

Hiking is fun and good exercise, for the body as well as the mind. Hiking tips are meant to inform so you can enjoy the outdoors comfortably. Consider this:

Feet: A good quality well fitting boot is essential for safety as well as comfort. Nothing can ruin a day on the trail faster than painful blisters or sore feet! So it is important to select the proper boot for the type of trail you will be hiking. Waterproof boots can make the hike more comfortable, especially when it is damp or raining. A Gore-Tex lining is a bit more expensive, but worth it when you are hiking in the rain or need to cross shallow streams. When buying new boots, always try them on with the type of sock you will be wearing on the trail. It is very important to break in new boots at home, not on the trail. Socks are every bit as important as a good fitting boot. Wearing two pair of socks can be helpful. Polypropylene liners should be worn closest to the skin. These are designed to wick the moisture away from the skin and to keep your feet dryer and cooler. Use an outer layer sock made of merino wool or a synthetic material for cushioning. Do NOT wear cotton socks! They absorb perspiration and keep your feet damp, this will lead to blistering. While hiking, always carry blister protection, moleskin works extremely well. If you feel a blister coming on, STOP immediately and take care of the problem.